Former Mexican Officials On The Run After Being Accused Of Secretly Leading a Criminal Group

Two former Mexican officials are on the run after being accused of secretly running a criminal enterprise that dabbed in drug-trafficking, putting the Claudia Sheinbaum administration on defense as those involved are part of the ruling party.

The scandal also involves top senator Adan Augusto Lopez Hernandez, a former governor and close to former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. The officials on the run were also appointed by the former president, known as AMLO.

Mexican analyst Sergio Aguayo told The New York Times that the development "marks a turning point for Sheinbaum's administration" as it "comes at a moment when Washington has shifted away from its previous tacit support for the political class in Mexico."

The Trump administration, Aguayo added, is now "demanding action against collusion between politicians, criminals and business elites."

The case stems from a 2022 leak of four million Defense Ministry emails, which included a 2019 military report alleging that Lopez Hernandez, then governor of Tabasco, had appointed officials linked to the criminal group La Barredora to top security posts.

Despite the report, Bermúdez remained in his role until 2023, and Mexico's attorney general only opened an investigation into the matter this year. López has denied wrongdoing, and the ruling Morena party expressed support for him last month, even as investigations into his former aides continue.